When Little Bot is thrown out with the garbage, he finds himself in a strange new world. Fortunately, Sparrow is there to take him under her wing. Together, they explore the forest, share adventures, and learn what it means to be forever friends.
So, funnily enough, just as I finished reading this utterly enchanting picture book, some dust got into my eyes. Or the wind kicked up some pollen and triggered my allergies. Or a cat walked by. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but I think you know what I’m trying to say.
The story starts with a bit of a jolt, as an adorable little robot is unceremoniously thrown out with the trash. There’s no explanation as to what he was designed to do, who threw him out, or why they didn’t want him anymore, but none of that really matters. That’s one of the great strengths of this understated little gem – everything that isn’t central to the story is cut, which makes for a streamlined reading experience that really gets to the heart of the matter and stays there.
Little Bot tries to make friends, but doesn’t have much luck, until one curious little sparrow decides to take a closer look at this strange mechanical being. Sparrow decides that Little Bot is more helpless than harmful, and takes him under her nurturing and protective wing. She introduces Little Bot to her friends and to her world, and they have all sorts of delightful experiences together.
With the inevitable return of winter, Sparrow and Little Bot must part ways. Rather than wallow in sadness or melancholy, though, Little Bot chooses to remember Sparrow with warmth and happiness, and is reunited with Sparrow in his dreams.
Little Bot and Sparrow is a deeply moving story that manages to be sweet and sincere without ever straying into saccharine or maudlin territory. It tells its tale of love and loss with a gentle, sophisticated hand, and leaves plenty of space for readers to insert their own emotions into the story. The limited text also lets the adorable illustrations really shine.
A wonderful choice for children dealing with any kind of loss, whether it’s a death in the family or separation due to moving or changing schools, Little Bot and Sparrow encourages readers to find strength and solace in the memories they’ve collected with their friends and loved ones, as well as to reach out to people they might otherwise not consider connecting with.
Little Bot and Sparrow might just spread a little bit of dust in your eyes, too.
LITTLE BOT AND SPARROW
Hardcover, 40 pages
October 13th 2016 : Roaring Brook Press
Source: Raincoast Books
Such a lovely review of this book. I shared to my Facebook page @SirChocolateBooks.
Thank you! It really is a lovely little story.